AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Porthidium porrasi
White-tailed Pitviper
Lynch and Smith, 1966
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small-to-medium sized terrestrial pitviper with a cryptic, patterned body and a distinctive pale or whitish tip on its tail.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Viperidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Porthidium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lynch and Smith, 1966
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid lowlands, deciduous forests, and forest edges, often associated with dense leaf litter.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Terrestrial and primarily nocturnal. Uses cryptic coloration to remain unseen by predators and prey.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial ambush predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet primarily consists of small lizards, frogs, and small mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous; gives birth to a small number of developed offspring.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 50.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30 g - 100 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 8
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
90 - 120
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males8 - 12 Years
Females8 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are generally smaller and more slender.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and more robust, especially when pregnant.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Caudal luring (using the tail tip to attract prey) and highly effective camouflage for ambush hunting.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and agricultural expansion significantly reducing its natural habitat range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The white tail tip is used as a lure to attract small frogs and lizards within striking range.